AFC Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe is in contention to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, if the bookies are to be believed.

Defoe is currently second favourite to win the illustrious award for his friendship with six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, who passed away earlier this month following a battle with neuroblastoma.

The 34-year-old former Black Cats striker first met Bradley when he was a mascot at a Sunderland game and the pair immediately struck up a bond, developing a heart-warming friendship that earned respect across the footballing world.

Now, Defoe is behind only world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua in the running to claim the SPOTY crown in Liverpool on December 17.

Sky Bet are offering Defoe at odds of 9/2, while Joshua is the clear odds-on favourite at 2/5.